Rucete ✏ Campbell Biology In a Nutshell
Unit 2 THE CELL — Concept 6.1 Biologists Use Microscopes and Biochemistry to Study Cells
Understanding cells, the fundamental units of life, requires specialized tools and techniques. Microscopy and biochemistry are pivotal in exploring cellular structures and functions.
1. Microscopy: Visualizing the Invisible
- Light Microscopes (LMs): Utilize visible light to magnify specimens, allowing observation of live cells and movement.
- Electron Microscopes (EMs): Use electron beams for high-resolution imaging.
- Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEMs): Provide detailed 3D images of cell surfaces.
- Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs): Reveal internal cell structures through thin sections.
2. Cell Fractionation: Dissecting Cellular Components
- Technique: Cells are broken and centrifuged to separate organelles by size and density.
- Purpose: Enables study of individual organelle functions and biochemical activities.
3. Advancements in Imaging
- Fluorescence Microscopy: Uses fluorescent dyes or proteins to label specific cellular components.
- Confocal Microscopy: Uses laser scanning to create sharp, 3D images of cells and tissues.
4. Integrating Techniques for Comprehensive Understanding
By combining microscopy and biochemical techniques, scientists gain a complete understanding of cellular architecture and function at the molecular level.